Starting in October of 2015, all citizens and lawful residents were issued a number called a 個人番号kojin bangō, which is also colloquially called My Number, even by Japanese speaking people – マイナンバー. The number is basically used as a “unique identifier” in a government database. This number is similar to the US Social Security Number, the UK National Insurance (NI) number, and the Portuguese NIF number. It is issued by the Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems (J-LIS) to all citizens and foreigners with resident status. It is primarily used for tax, social security, and disaster response purposes. The number is 12 digits long and holders usually have it on a plastic ID card called the My Number Card.
How to Get a “My Number” Card
If you move to Japan, you will usually receive a letter containing your Individual Number Notice（個人番号通知書） within 2-3 weeks. Once you receive this, you can apply for your My Number Card. You can do this with a smartphone, online, by post, or at your local municipal office（役所）.
You’ll need to provide a passport-style photo along with personal details. You should receive details on how to collect your card within around a month. This will typically involve attending a collection point and bringing along ID and a given PIN number. You can check the status of your application while you are waiting for the card.
Advantages of My Number in Japan
The My Number card can save you a lot of time and money in certain situations in Japan. Because it carries various chips as well as your photo and official address, you can use the card in many situations:
- The My Number Card can be used as an official form of ID for any situation, as well as proof of immigration status for visa holders as the card usually expires at the same time as the visa expiration date.
- Many municipalities provide electronic services at convenience stores（コンビニ） where you can obtain and print electronic documents such as residence certificates by using your card and PIN number.
- You can use your NFC enabled smartphone and your PIN number to access many personal documents and info collected through certain applications, and even file your taxes this way.
- You can use your My Number card as a form of ID to insurers to access healthcare, as long as you register your card on Mynaportal.
- If you have a My Number, you can use it to open a bank account in Japan.
Although there are obvious security concerns related to this system, it has proved beneficial in Japan for both residents and authorities, making official identification much easier for a vast range of purposes.
